Tag Archives: FAWPL Southern Division

The Round-Up – FAWPL 28/08/16

The Round-Up

FAWPL – Sunday 28th August

Welcome to the 2nd edition of the new 2016/17 new look Round-Up featuring all of the women’s football action in the aforementioned leagues above. Broken down into more concise league categories now we start with the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One Divisions.

 FAWPL Southern Division

   This weekend saw all the sides playing in the FAWPL across the country hold a minutes silence before their matches in honour of Portsmouth FC Ladies President, Dave Coyle who passed away after a long battle with cancer earlier in the week. Been involved with the club for over 25 years and a well respected figure within the women’s game.

   Charlton Athletic Women lead the way in the FAWPL Southern Division after the weekends results having started with an opening day win at home beating newly promoted Swindon Town Ladies 4-0 were at Sporting Club Thamesmead again this Sunday playing C&K Basildon Ladies who themselves had started with an opening day victory beating Portsmouth FC Ladies 2-0.

shepherdThe visitors were soon behind with Charlton opening the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, Gemma Shepherd. Katie Flack doubling the advantage 10 minutes later. 2-0 the score at half-time Kit Graham scored Charlton’s 3rd early in the 2nd half. 3 more goals followed for the home side with Charley Clifford getting on the scoresheet on 64 minutes before Shepherd (pictured left) went on to score her 1st hat-trick of the season netting in the 70th and 78th minutes to complete a comprehensive victory that sees Charlton top of the table 2 wins from 2 scoring 10 goals without reply. 

 

Lewes Ladies were the leaders after the opening day results with a fantastic 7-2 win at The Dripping Pan over West Ham United Ladies. At home again for their 2nd league match of the season were taking on Cardiff City Ladies who were playing their opening match of the season. A good win to start the season Lewes knew they would face a sterner test against Cardiff the Welsh side once again amongst the title favourites. A goalless 1st half, Lewes started strongly 2nd half putting the Cardiff back line under pressure without finding the break through went a goal down as Cardiff took the lead through Kerry Bartlett. Lewes kept attacking finding an equalising goal with 15 minutes to play, Katie McIntyre with the strike to beat Cardiff goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan the final score 1-1 Lewes drop to 2nd in the table.

Crystal Palace Ladies newly promoted to the FAWPL Southern Division after winning the South East Division One title with ease and an unbeaten record began life in the higher tier with a 1-1 draw at home last Sunday against Coventry United Ladies. Were on the road this Sunday travelling to Uxbridge FC’s, Honeycroft Stadium to play Queens Park Rangers Ladies who were beginning their league campaign this weekend. QPR manager, Martino Chevannes with a new look squad to begin the season with many from last season moving on. A tough battle played at a fast pace the score 0-0 at half-time Crystal Palace creating but not converting their chances. The visitors found the back of the net late in the 2nd half 18-year-old Leanne Bell scoring with less than 10 minutes left, her strike enough to see Crystal Palace secure their 1st 3 points in the FAWPL Southern Division see them up to 3rd in the table. 

Another side getting their league season underway this Sunday were Tottenham Hotspur Ladies were taking on Swindon Town Ladies newly promoted to the league as FAWPL South West Division One Champions who had started their season with a tough away trip to play Charlton Athletic Women losing the game 4-0 faced another tough away journey to Brimsdown FC. Tottenham dominated the 1st half however the lead was just by a single goal at the break, Bianca Baptiste scoring on the half hour mark. Swindon got themselves back on level terms as Georgia Walters turned a rebound off the crossbar home on 64 minutes. Tottenham continued to press retaking the lead inside the last 15 minutes before going on to score twice more to win 4-1, new signing Nikita Whinnett formerly with Charlton Athletic Women getting her 1st competitive goal for the club sandwiched between a Wendy Martin brace.

An emotional day for Portsmouth FC Ladies playing their 1st league match at home of the season with the sad news that club President, Dave Coyle had passed away, 25 years with the club after a long battle with cancer. Were taking on West Ham United Ladies who had started the season with a heavy defeat away to Lewes. Portsmouth losing on the opening day themselves got off to a fantastic start, Sarah Kempston firing them ahead on 6 minutes. Went on to dominate the 1st half former West Ham United Ladies player, Emma Sherwood putting them 2-0 up on 22 minutes. Kempston added her 2nd of the match closing in on the half hour mark to see Portsmouth lead 3-0 at half-time. West Ham managed to pull a goal back 15 minutes into the 2nd half, Chloe Burr with the goal, Portsmouth going on to win 3-1 to collect their 1st 3 points of the season.

FAWPL South East Division One

  5 matches in the FAWPL South East Division One this Sunday and it’s all change at the top with opening day leaders Norwich City Ladies not in action, drop down to 4th in the fledgling table with Gillingham FC Ladies taking over top spot. 

Runners-up last season and amongst the favourites to take the title this time around, Gillingham were playing their 1st competitive match of the season at their new home the Corinthians Sports Club taking on another of the title contenders Milton Keynes Dons Ladies. Got off to a fantastic start with April Bowers giving them the lead in the 5th minute. Amy Taylor doubling the advantage as the game closed in on the half hour mark. Captain, Lauren Williams making it 3-0 4 minutes before half-time to give Gillingham a comfortable lead at half-time. Milton Keynes Dons pulled a goal back in the 2nd half to see the game finish 3-1. 

Enfield Town Ladies looked to be heading to the top of the FAWPL South East Division One table away from home taking on Ipswich Town Ladies, their captain Regan Coleman having given them the lead 2 minutes before half-time at Felixstowe & Walton FC, but they were denied making it 2 wins from 2 in their opening matches as Ipswich were awarded a penalty deep into time added on at the end of the game. Molly Hall stepping up to take and bury the penalty into the back of the net to earn the home side their 1st point of the season. Coming away with a point Enfield are up to 2nd.

  A 1-1 draw with Gillingham FC Ladies on the opening day of the season, Luton Town Ladies were in contention for the title themselves for a large part of last season, will be aiming to do so again this time around and like Gillingham got their 1st win of the season this Sunday. Away from home taking on Actonians Ladies a single goal enough to take all 3 points with Michelle Byrne the player on target in the 2nd half to put Luton into 3rd spot.  

Denham United Ladies suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies on the opening day. Back at the Middlesex Stadium for another home game were taking on newly promoted ERWFL Premier Division Champions, Stevenage Ladies, who lost narrowly on the opening day themselves going down 2-1 at home to Enfield Town Ladies. Suffered a heavier defeat this time around as Denham got their 1st 3 point haul on the board,  winning the match 5-0 with Lauren Cox and Alissa Down both scoring 2 goals each the 5th scored by Annie Hewitt.

Cambridge United WFC also picked up their 1st 3 points of the season having suffered an opening day loss, at home were playing Lowestoft Town Ladies. Nicole Perschky scored late in the 1st half to give Cambridge the 1st half lead. Went on to double the advantage early in the 2nd half with Becky Taylor on target to win the match 2-0. Lowestoft with Stevenage yet to pick up a point. Early days mind, just Norwich and AFC Wimbledon Ladies have a 100% win record in the league both winning on the opening day. Could take some time for the league to settle down.

The action next weekend in the FAWPL turns to the Preliminary Round of the FAWPL Cup and Plate to see which competition each club will be contesting for.

The Round-Up – FAWPL New Season

 The Round-Up 

FAWPL Sun 21st August

Welcome to the new season and with it a new look to The Round-Up. A change of format for the 2016/17 season as we drop The Tuesday Round-Up covering every match played over the weekend from all of the leagues above, instead a smaller more compact and personal Round-Up featuring the leagues that matter to you. Do not worry you will still see every game covered across the East just in a smaller package 7 Round-Ups a week when the whole region gets into swing instead of one. This one starts with covering the action from Sunday August 21st across the FAWPL Southern and South East Division One Divisions their season kicking-off this weekend.

FAWPL Southern Division

Lewes Ladies are the side sitting proudly at the top of the FAWPL Southern Division after the opening round of fixtures this Sunday. At home at The Dripping Pan hosting West Ham United Ladies with former Brighton & Hove Albion WFC manager, James Marrs now in charge. The visitors looked to be in full control of the match as they stormed into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes, Katie Bottom and Whitney Locke with the goals. Danielle Lane pulled it back to 2-1 for Lewes on 21 minutes before Rachel Palmer found the back of the net from a free-kick outside the box. Game on a complete turn around as Kim Stenning struck to give Lewes a 3-2 lead, Palmer with her 2nd goal just before the half-time whistle a 4-2 lead for Lewes. The home side went on to extend their advantage in the 2nd half with Kelly Newton scoring on 48 minutes with both Lane and Stenning finding the back of the net for a 2nd time to see Lewes who spent most of last season in the bottom half of the Southern Division table, top looking down at the rest.

The FAWPL Southern Division could have a number of possible title contenders this season and one of the  favorites for the title are Charlton Athletic WFC, runners-up last season starting their campaign this season at home to newly promoted, Swindon Town Ladies. A convincing 4-0 win sees them pick up there 1st 3 points 2 goals scored in each half. Katie Flack getting there season rolling on 11 minutes, wasn’t long before striker Gemma Shepherd got in on the scoring opening her seasons tally on 17 minutes, forming a formidable attacking partnership with Kit Graham she had to wait until 9 minutes into the 2nd half to score her 1st goal of the season with Charley Clifford adding the 4th goal 20 minutes from time.

  Joining Lewes and Charlton with an opening day win in the Southern Division are, C&K Basildon Ladies as they begin their 2nd season in the league were at home at Canvey Island FC playing Portsmouth FC Women with Craig Taylor now managing the 1st team. Zoe Rushen is C&K Basildon Ladies new captain following the retirement of long serving Claire Lacey. Rushen got her clubs season started scoring to give them the lead at half-time, however it wasn’t until 3 minutes from time the 3 points were sealed Lily Mellors with the goal late on to see C&K Basildon earn the win final score 2-0.

 cc-bryan3 One more game at the weekend at the Bromley Arena as the other newly promoted side to the league, Crystal Palace Ladies took on last seasons FAWPL League Plate Winners, Coventry United Ladies. Unbeaten as they won the FAWPL South East Division One title last season, Crystal Palace Ladies got off to a flying start taking control of the game early on Gemma Bryan  (pictured right) was on hand to steer a Rochelle Shakes cross home inside opening 20 minutes. Slow to get started the visitors picked things up late in the 2nd half, Samantha Smith getting forwards from midfield to head home a Gina Burton cross on 37 minutes. 1-1 the score at half-time.

cc-smith  Coventry United Ladies had an opportunity early in the 2nd half to take the lead from the penalty spot  as Crystal Palace goalkeeper Chanelle Yardley brought down Alison Hall as she came to the edge of her area to clear the ball. Yardley made amends saving the spot kick guessing right diving to her right to grab hold of Marie Gauntlett’s shot. A spell of dominance followed for Crystal Palace in which they were to score again to take the lead, Bryan racing clear of the Coventry United defence to send the ball in off the post from outside the box. 20 minutes left and Smith was to add her 2nd goal of the game too taking aim from 30 yards out sending the ball arrowing into the top corner. That was to be the final score 2-2 the points shared on the opening day. This was were the Supporting Women’s Football Blog began the season and the full match report can be found on this website or by clicking on the link below

Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

3 sides in the Southern Division sat the opening weekend out, Queens Park Rangers Ladies and Tottenham Hotspur Ladies along with Cardiff City Ladies who were due to play Forest Green Rovers Ladies who have sadly taken the tough decision to pull out of the league having lost alot of senior 1st team players and not wanting to expose a young squad to such a high level of football, wish the everyone involved at the club all the best for the future and hope to see them back soon.

FAWPL South East Division One

Was a full fixture list in the FAWPL South East Division One to start the opening weekend. Several sides in contention for the title and promotion in this league this season, no overall clear favourite and could well be a dark horse too. No easy game that is for certain. We’ll start with a local derby as Norwich City Ladies travelled over the Suffolk border to play Lowestoft Town Ladies at Crown Meadow. Chelsea Garrett got the visitors off to a fantastic start scoring on 7 minutes 2-0 was the score at the break Ebony Wiseman on target on 38 minutes. Norwich hammered home there advantage early on the 2nd half Ellen Swift with 2 goals on 50 and 58 minutes to make it 4-0. Lowestoft captain, Hannah Waters pulled a goal back for the home side with 20 minutes left. Norwich making it 5-1 in injury time with substitute Millie Bales bagging the goal. The +4 goal advantage seeing Norwich top of the league.

Milton Keynes Dons Ladies have strengthened their squad over the summer have a new 1st team manager too, James Honeyman. Started with an away trip to Denham United Ladies and got their season off to the perfect start taking all 3 points with a 3-0 win the goal scorers Leah Cudone, Kerry Newman and Charly Wright. Ipswich Town Ladies scored 3 goals on the opening day of the season too and still didn’t anything from the game as they travelled to one of the two sides newly promoted to the league, AFC Wimbledon Ladies. Natasha Thomas got Ipswich off to a great start scoring on 2 minutes held the lead for over half an hour before Wimbledon got themselves back level Laura Low scoring in the 35th minute 1-1 at half-time it as a crazy start to the 2nd half a minute on the clock Sian Wylie put Wimbledon into the lead. Ipswich responded immediately, Hollie Clement striking from distance to make it 2-2, 3 minutes later and Wimbledon  were back in front Jess Trimnell with the goal went on to add another on 75 to put Wimbledon 4-2 ahead. Samantha Walker scored on her debut for Ipswich with 5 minutes left however Wimbledon held on to record an opening day win playing their 1st FAWPL match.

 Stevenage Ladies are the other newly promoted side to the league were at home on the opening weekend taking on Enfield Town Ladies both sides with a new manager at the start of the season, Gary Bailey taking over at Stevenage with Marc Nurse formerly of West Ham United Ladies taking over the reigns at Enfield Town. It was the visitors who came away with the 3 points, Elizabeth Kent and Ellie Taladiana with the goals. Stevenage missed an opportunity to score from the penalty spot before, Rebecca Scola a 2nd half substitute scored late on for Stevenage Ladies having joined the club from Hoddesdon Town Ladies. Final score 2-1 to Enfield.

  2-1 was the winning margin for Actonians Ladies too, away from home taking on Cambridge United WFC at their new home for the 2016/17 season Mildenhall Town FC.  Cambridge started the brighter but were to fall behind as Actonians found the back of the net from a set-piece. Becky Taylor drew the scores back to 1-1 before the break scoring from a corner. The game was to see a long delay at half-time due to an injury to Actonians player Anais Escalona an ambulance called a stoppage off over an hour saw play resume at 4pm, Actonians going on to score the winning goal 7 minutes from time Jessica Byrne and Carla Williams the players on target for Actonians. Women’s Football East wishes Anais Escalona all the best and hope she makes a speedy and full recovery. One more game from the South East Division One between two of the sides who will be looking to chase down the title this season with Luton Town Ladies hosting Gillingham FC Ladies. After a goalless 1st half Luton were to get their noses in front at the start of the 2nd half, Dionne Manning making her debut for the club scoring the goal. The lead wasn’t to last long Gillingham equalising on 56 minutes, Felicity Gibbons having returned to the club after a spell with Brighton and WSL side Millwall Lionesses finding the back of the net. 1-1 the final score the points shared.  

Updated league tables, fixtures and results can be found throughout the site the new season has begun in earnest.

 

 

Match Report – Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

1st match of the new season from the Supporting Women’s Football Blog

New Season – Crystal Palace Ladies v Coventry United Ladies

 
 The new season is here! The FA Women’s Premier League campaign get’s underway this Sunday and the Supporting Women’s Football Blog is starting with a trip south to watch newly promoted Crystal Palace Ladies as they welcome Coventry United Ladies to Bromley FC.

   Crystal Palace Ladies are the ‘Invincibles’ having won promotion from the FAWPL South East Division One last season with an unbeaten record, winning 20 of there 22 matches in the league. Enjoy a strong relationship with the men’s club and are looking to make progress. Have done well to keep hold of players that brought them success last season and manager Dean Davenport has added players too, some with WSL experience, Megan Goss and Ciara Sherwood joining from Millwall Lionesses. Ellie Bailes joins from Charlton Athletic Women. Ex-Fulham goalkeeper, Lauren Allen has also signed for the club. Will be looking to make an immediate impact upon the league.

  Their 1st opponents in the FAWPL Southern Division, are Coventry United Ladies have won the league as recently as 2014 no play-off game for the FAWSL that year, switched to the Northern Division the following season finishing runners-up behind Sheffield FC Ladies. Back in the Southern Division last campaign were amongst the chasing pack that could do nothing to stop Brighton & Hove Albion WFC’s charge to the title. Finishing 4th they did have success last season winning the FAWPL League Plate. Will be amongst the favorites to challenge for the title again this season.

  Bromley Arena is the venue for today’s FAWPL season opener, home of Bromley FC, the non-league ground is a mixture of old and new look stands with the main one seated and covered down one side of the pitch housing the clubhouse and bar plus food facilities. The older stands surrounding the other 3 sides of the ground are a mixture off classic terracing and some seating behind one goal a good sized stadium surrounding a large pitch which looked as it should perfect at the start of the season, good grass cover and flat. Great weather to start the season too very warm and sunny, some dark clouds about that might hint at a spot of rain or two but a strong breeze was helping to blow them through.

  Crystal Palace Ladies starting XI – Chanelle Yardley, Pamela McRoberts, Katy Morris, Freya Holdaway (C), Leesa Haydock, Ciara Sherwood, Ellie Bailes, Megan Goss, Alma Donohoe, Rochelle Shakes & Gemma Bryan.
  subs – Lauren Allen, Leanne Bell, Abigail Igbavboa, Francesca Ali & Tia Foreman.

  Coventry United Ladies starting XI – Susan Wood, Gina Burton, Nikki Miles, Natasha Lynch (C) Alexandra Buck, Laura Cooper, Jade Brook, Stephanie Smith, Amber Hughes, Marie Gauntlett & Alison Hall
  subs – Helen Dermody, Sami Ryder, Olivia Dougherty, Ellie White, Kathryn Pagan & Christina Torkildsen.

    It’s the visitors, Coventry to get the game underway, wearing an all green away kit with Crystal Palace lined up opposite wearing red and blue shirts, with blue shorts and socks with a red vertical stripe down the sides. The home side close down the ball right from the start winning it push towards the Coventry area, defender Alex Buck steps up to tackle and play the ball out for a throw on the right. From the right the ball is lifted up towards the area this time Coventry captain Natasha Lynch headers clear, Nikki Miles looks to break from the back up the left but running out of room can’t turn her cross back into the six yard box.

  Getting forwards from the back too, Crystal Palace’s Pamela McRoberts on the right brings the ball on before playing a high ball across the top of the area, looking for striker Gemma Bryan comes at her quickly trying to adjust leaning back to get power on her header turns it towards goal the looping ball drops into the gloves of goalkeeper, Susan Wood. Is a pacy start to the game from both sides working hard to quickly close their opponents down on the ball. 

Rochelle Shakes holding the ball up in attack for Crystal Place Ladies

  Stephanie Smith brings the ball forwards for Coventry drifting towards the right plays the pass up the line into the area for Alison Hall to go after. Crystal Palace captain, Freya Holdaway gets across in front of her does well to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal-kick. Megan Goss receiving the ball turns well and plays the pass forwards into Bryan with room to run into on the left only a good tackle from Buck putting the ball out for a throw steps her breaking into the area. Bryan has the ball at her feet again on the left soon after charging towards the byline cuts back inside the area superbly to deceive her marker and takes on the shot from an acute angle sending the ball wide across the face of goal.

   10 minutes played and the early pressure is with Crystal Palace, have Coventry pushed back defending the top of their area, closing down the ball the midfielders looking to win it create an opportunity, Ciara Sherwood almost does just that as she latches onto the ball just outside the box left of the D hitting it sweetly on the volley, Wood shifts across to try and get to it does need to as it flashes just past the post striking the advertising boards behind the goal. 

Crystal Palace Ladies, Ciara Sherwood

  Coventry’s Miles is getting some joy on the left side providing and outlet when the visitors and get the ball released from the back, taking it on up to the top of the area squares the ball into the middle, Leesa Haydock heads the ball clear, Coventry’s Smith looks to lift it over the defence into the area for Hall, goalkeeper Chanelle Yardley gets to it 1st. Miles comes again this time Hall looks to break out early providing a passing option, Holdaway reading it just about gets her foot on the ball to intercept. For a 3rd time Miles is available for the ball in quick succession as Jade Brook passes from the centre of midfield to send her away up the left wing into the box cuts the cross back towards goal too close to the near post Yardley has the angle covered and goes down to gather the ball.

  GOAL! Crystal Palace take the lead as the game closes in on the 20 minute mark. It comes from a Coventry throw deep in their half on the right side, Rochelle Shakes is quick to put pressure on the receiver winning the ball and fires the ball along the ground into the area with Bryan free just inside the box, good control hits the shot on the turn sending it flying across the diving keeper and into the back of the net 1-0.

Gemma Bryan scorer of the opening goal for Crystal Palace Ladies


  Bryan is causing the Coventry defence all sorts of problems attacking down the left looks to get onto the end of a long ball from the back, Gina Burton gets to it first to put the ball out for a corner kick. Coming to nothing, Crystal Palace appeal for a penalty as Bryan ends up on the deck as she charges into the box, nothing given by the referee. Up the other end Holdaway and Haydock are clearing up thing’s with the Coventry attack having little opportunity to get in behind them. 

  A chance for Coventry to get players forwards as Ellie Bailes brings brook down as she closes down on the area on the left the free kick just outside the box, Laura Cooper over it. sends a great delivery on towards the far post players running in to attack it Hall amongst those gets a touch the ball strikes the post before Crystal Palace scramble it clear. Better from Coventry after conceding the goal go forwards with more pace and purpose, Hall forces Crystal Palace into conceding a corner kick on the left. A great ball sent invitingly into the six yard box is headed down into the ground by Lynch unmarked in the centre bouncing through bodies is blocked on the line saved by Yardley pushed out, Lynch gets another chance to go for goal puts the ball over the crossbar.

Coventry United Ladies captain, Natasha Lynch sees her header cleared on the line

  Marie Gauntlett and Amber Hughes link up as they attack down the left flank exchanging passes as they try the work the ball into position for a cross win Coventry another corner kick. The set-piece is almost spilt by Yardley as she comes to claim it near post but reaching out behind her as she falls somehow keeps hold of it as Gauntlett closes in. Alma Donohoe on the left plays a great ball into the area for Goss who has got herself into a central position, good control to bring it down on her 1st touch, Miles gets back to defend nudging Goss off the ball and getting it away from the area. 

  GOAL! A contrasting game since Crystal Place took the lead on top during the opening 25 minutes have been forced back in the last 10 minutes as Coventry look to fight their way back onto level terms, do so on the 37th minute Comes from a well worked move good build up the ball played across the midfield before being passed on to the advancing Burton on the right sends the ball into the area along the six yard box, Smith jumps up to meet the ball with her head knocking it down back across the keeper and in 1-1.
 
 Crystal Palace go on the offensive straight from the restart the ball into the Coventry half with urgency, played on the diagonal from the left with Shakes making a run into the area goes to strike it on the volley, connects but under challenge smashes the shot into the side netting. Coventry go forwards themselves Miles getting the better of McRoberts as she goes on the move on the left takes the ball on Hughes comes towards her to offer the close passing option gets it on the corner of the box goes for goal the strike over the bar at the near post. 
Coventry United Ladies, Marie Gauntlett with Pamela McRoberts
  Late into the 1st half Bryan reacts sharply to a lazy Coventry back pass to the goalkeeper getting in behind looking to take a touch as she closes in on the box, Lynch gets back to put in a well timed tackle to take the ball away from her. Into injury time Crystal Palace with one last attack Donohoe on the left sweeps a cross into the box with Shakes the target running in on goal looks to hit it on the volley turn it wide across the keeper, is also wide of the goal.

Half-time Crystal Palace Ladies 1-1 Coventry United Ladies

  An entertaining and lively start to the FAWPL season at Bromley FC, newly promoted Crystal Palace starting the far better of the two sides capitalising by getting the goal. Coventry had to ride out a storm at the start improving late in the half after going a goal down pushing the host back and creating a few chances of their own bringing the scores level. The game very much evenly poised for the 2nd half. 

   A half-time substitution for Crystal Place as they kick off the 2nd half with Leanne Bell on the field replacing Goss. An early foray up the field for McRoberts making a move to get into the box as Bryan comes out wide right holds the ball up attempts to lay the ball into the full-back inside the box, Hughes has tracked back with her and tackling gets her foot on the ball. Substitute, Bell on the right side herself is allowed to travel a long way with the ball reaching the top corner of the area takes on the strike, plenty of pace on the ball, Wood covering her post is right behind it.

Leesa Haydock takes control of the ball at the back for Crystal Palace Ladies

   A good start to the 2nd half from Crystal Palace, Bryan runs at the Coventry defence winning the ball high up the pitch goes forwards has support with her from Shakes as she enters the box looks to set her up, her 1st time strike is blocked, the rebound falls to Sherwood deeper who also sees her effort blocked the ball eventually running out behind for a corner kick on the left. A good delivery played along the six yard box, Holdaway heads the ball into the back of the net, but not before the referee spots an infringement blows up for the foul.

   Penalty! Crystal Palace’s bright start to the 2nd half is almost undone as they concede a penalty. Attacking down the right wing the ball is played forwards for Hall to chase down is just inside the area wide right as goalkeeper Yardley comes racing out to kick clear and despite getting to the ball 1st her follow through brings down Hall the referee points to the spot. Gauntlett steps up to take looking to lift the ball up to the keepers left, Yardley guesses the right way and throwing herself across gets two big hands on the ball to make the save.

Chanelle Yardley saves Marie Gauntlett’s penalty kick

 Pressurising the Coventry back-line, Bryan gets hold of the ball and stealing in behind has a run at goal pulls the trigger from inside the D the strike off target. Coventry win a corner on the right Hughes makes a run from the top of the area to receive the ball from the taker playing it back to her, receives the return pass inside the box right corner turns and shoots the shot flying over the crossbar.

  1st change for Coventry as Hall is replaced by Helen Dermody. The visitors win a free kick inside the Crystal Place half a chance for Cooper to play the ball long up into the box sends it out towards the far post, Yardley comes to clear it, misses clattering into her own defender as Miles connects with her head drills the effort wide. 2nd change for Coventry with Christina Torkildsen coming on to replace Burton with a little over 20 minutes left to play. Good spell from the visitors, Smith bringing the ball on holds up well outside the Crystal Place box left side as Miles makes a run down the line, Smith with the pass plays her into the area, Yardley rushing out to meet her saves well at her feet.
  GOAL! Crystal Palace retake the lead as Bryan scores her 2nd of the match, latching onto a Shakes flick on as the ball is played long from the back, Bryan is in behind played through on goal, shoots from outside the box right of the D power and pace on the ball to drill is past Wood, strikes the base of the far post back spin seeing it roll over the goal-line 2-1.
 
An opening day brace for Crystal Palace Ladies, Gemma Bryan
  Crystal Palace make a 2nd change straight after the goal bringing on Abigail Igbavboa for Bailes. Coventry look to respond attacking down the right Hughes drives forwards whips the ball into the box, Dermody coming towards it looks to hit it 1st time but under challenge can’t get enough on the ball. End to end, Bell has the ball wide right for Crystal Place pushing forwards turns inside is tackled well by Buck. A heavy challenge on Shakes by Lynch as she powers her way forwards sees a free-kick given away right on the edge of the area a balls width outside right of the D it’s Igbavboa over the ball, goes for goal the strike over the top.
   GOAL! Once again Coventry come back from a goal down to equalise, a goal out of nothing and like Bryan from Crystal Palace it’s a 2nd goal of the match for Smith. Has possession of the ball some 30 yards out left side in front of the area a snap shot goes for goal sends the ball flying into the top corner, little chance of Yardley diving at it can do stop it as it brushes her fingertips and goes in 2-2.
 
Stephanie Smith controlling the ball with 2 goals for Coventry United Ladies
  Sets up an intriguing final 10 minutes of play. Torkildsen bursts forwards down the right for Coventry puts a good crossfield pass out to Smith on the left in front of the box, looks to play in Dermody ahead of her, she is unfortunate to slip as she goes to strike the ball on the edge of the area the attempt rolling tamely through to Yardley. 3rd change for Crystal Palace, Fran Ali coming on to replace Haydock.
  Attacking down the left side for Coventry as the game moves into the final minutes of normal time, Gauntlett rolls the ball into Dermody inside the box, she plays it across with Hughes behind her, sees her attempt at goal closed down the ball is won back as Crystal Place look to counter attack, Brook takes on the shot from distance looks to be heading top corner once again this time though Yardley has time to get across and pluck it down.
 
Coventry’s Jade Brook and Crystal Palace’s Ellie Bailes battle for the ball
  Into injury time Holdaway picks up a yellow card after fouling Hughes, a chance for Cooper to put the ball into the box, Smith is there to attack it far post sends her header wide of goal. Coventry very nearly win it at the death as rare moment of carelessness at the back sees Brook steal in to take the ball charging in behind left of goal shoots hitting the ball along the ground, Yardley dives to her right makes a great save turning the ball behind for the corner kick. Claims the set-piece as it comes in the referee blows the final whistle.
Full time Crystal Palace Ladies 2-2 Coventry United Ladies

 The points shared on the opening day fixture an entertaining match to watch from a neutrals perspective. A positive start to life at a higher level for Crystal Palace dominated the game for a good portion of both halves, scoring when they were on top too. Coventry were a little slow to get going 1st half but fought their way back into the game equalising twice after going behind. 
  A good day out at Bromley, my thanks to both sides for their help with the team line-ups today and best of luck for the rest of the season.

Match Report – Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

Football action featured 1st on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog Sunday 10th April

Match Report – Tottenham Hotspur Ladies v Brighton & Hove Albion WFC

  As most of you know when I’m not writing match reports on this blog I also look after the @WF_East twitter account and it’s website www.womensfootballeast.com which tries to cover as much women’s football in the East of England as it can. The top league covered there is the FAWPL Southern Division, but to date I haven’t seen the side that has been leading the way for most of the season, Brighton & Hove Albion WFC. Have one more league game left away to Tottenham Hotspur Ladies and it is a huge game for them one of the biggest they’ve ever played the scenario is simple, win and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC will be Champions.

  Brighton & Hove Albion WFC have gotten matches played when others haven’t earlier in the season having gotten themselves into an early lead, were only off the top briefly in November when they lost 2 back to back league games. Those though were the only 2 league defeats to be suffered and recovering from that mini wobble went on to storm ahead in the table get their games in to leave themselves their destiny in their own hands knowing a win today will see them win the league even though their rivals Charlton Athletic Women (2nd) and Cardiff City Ladies (3rd) both have games in hand the maximum points tally both can achieve is 52 and 53 points respectfully, Brighton have 51 points now, 3 more from today’s game and it’s all over.

  Can’t and won’t take anything for granted a tough away trip for their final league match of the season, playing Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, who I have seen a few times this season, but not in league action. Sitting in mid-table have won half of their league matches with 20 played to date, lost 9 with just the 1 draw have reached 3 Cup Finals, knocking Brighton out of the FAWPL League Cup at the quarter final stage back in March thanks to a goal in the final minutes. Manager Karen Hills has if all players are fit a large squad to chose from however of late that has not been the case with several unavailable again through injury or international duty.

  That defeat of Brighton in the FAWPL League Cup to place at today’s venue, Brimsdown Sports Ground, home of Brimsdown Rovers FC instead of Tottenham’s usual home venue Cheshunt FC. The pitch situated behind a large clubhouse and function room. A large playing surface looked a little cut up, but good grass cover the ground itself could do with a little TLC, a small seated stand on one side opposite the dugouts. A bright sunny day, some cloud cover but no chance of rain. The crowd swelled by a good number of Brighton supporters hoping to see their side make history.  

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies starting XI – Toni-Anne Wayne, Lucia Leon, Shannon Moloney, Eartha Pond, Alex Keown, Maya Vio, Riana-Devi Soobadoo, Josie Green, Rosie Kmita, Wendy Martin (C) & Kelley Blanchflower.
   subs – Bianca Baptiste, Ronnell Humes, Kate O’Leary & Shakira Waithe.

   Brighton & Hove Albion starting XI – Faye Baker, Catherine Cooper, Vicky Ashton-Jones, Deanna Cooper, Jay Blackie (C), Kirsty Barton, Sophie Perry, Charley Boswell, Kate Natkiel, Charlotte Gurr & Amy Taylor.
   subs – Ellie Dorey, Lucy Somes, Lisa Fulgence, Nina Wilson & Lily Agg.

   Lucia Leon was partnering Alex Keown in defence for Tottenham in the absence of regular captain Jenna Schillaci, Wendy Martin wearing the armband for them this afternoon lined up in their white shirts and socks with navy shorts with Brighton having kick off 1st half lined up in their away kit off what Nike call ‘Volt’ shirts and socks, (lime green) and back shorts. The ball is played out to the left side early on with Sophie Perry pushing down that flank up against Shannon Moloney played at right back for Tottenham today she defends well winning the ball, puts it long into the Brighton half, goes all the way back to goalkeeper Faye Baker, who shows good distribution of the ball from the back picking out Perry with a long kick, runs into traffic the ball going out for a throw.

Brighton’s Catherine Cooper keeping close tabs on Tottenham’s Kelley Blanchflower

Obvious early on this match is going to be played at a fast pace and both sides are going to close the ball down quickly, forcing both sides into rushed passes several are going astray. Charley Boswell attacking down the right for Brighton finds herself in space high up the pitch as the ball pops free from the pinball in the centre out to her, drives with it to the touchline cuts a cross in along the six yard box, racing back Tottenham’s Alex Keown cuts it out turning the ball behind for a corner kick. A high ball swept in from the right comes central, Tottenham goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne rises unopposed to claim the ball.

   Brighton’s Vicky Ashton-Jones plays a long ball out from the back left side coming central drops for Gurr 20 plus yards out knows Wayne is off her line behind her goes for the lob sending the ball high, but it bounces harmlessly wide of goal. Brighton have started well Boswell and Perry providing good outlets for the ball right and left. Perry fires in an early cross on the diagonal from the left side racing across the six yard box, Natkiel chasing in far post can’t quite get her toe on the end of the cross to turn the ball home. 

Riana-Devi Soobadoo wins the header against Brighton’s Amy Taylor

  Tottenham are contesting the ball well enough in the midfield have found it hard to get it into the attacking trio of Martin, Rosie Kmita and Kelley Blanchflower the latter two try to link up create something as Riana-Devi Soobadoo gets hold of the ball and releases Kmita down the left wing, pushing in has Blanchflower inside her looking for the ball to be played ahead of her run into the box, Kmita sends it in, seeing the attack build Baker has already started to come and calling for it collects as her defence blocks off Blanchflower’s run.

   A free kick wide left for Brighton, Perry to whips the ball in comes in towards the near post, bounces right before Wayne who has the angle covered gathers 2nd time despite a runner coming, Natkiel I think who ends up colliding with the post, but it’s alright. Brighton captain Jay Blackie plays a great ball from inside her own half up towards Amy Taylor the striker in a central position headers the ball down to the right where Boswell is in space, drives forwards, cuts the cross back in along the six yard area, Keown tracking back cuts the ball out putting it behind for a corner kick. The corner is put in long drifts out of play beyond the far post.

  Leon is looking to bring the ball out from the back for Tottenham when she is brought down by Taylor, clear the defender is in trouble as the trainer runs on a lengthy stoppage and sadly  the stretcher has to be brought on as she can no longer continue. Shakira Waithe is the substitute, goes to left back with Eartha Pond starting in that position moving into the centre of defence along side Keown. A free kick to Tottenham goes long, Brighton’s Deanna Cooper with a firm header clears the threat. Play continues to be constricted to the middle neither side finding the cutting ball into the area to send an attacker through. 

Josie Green looking for a passing option for Tottenham

 Martin is being well marked by Brighton as she looks to get hold of the ball up top for Tottenham. Maya Vio, Josie Green and Soobadoo are battling hard in midfield not making it easy for Brighton to pick their way through. Green gets the ball up to Kmita left side again pushing on cuts a cross back in along the face of the area, Blanchflower the target, Ashton-Jones with the interception. Moloney gets a talking to from the referee as she commits a foul in front of the stand, From a deep position on the left it’s Deanna Cooper to take sends a fantastic flighted ball long towards the far post with Boswell totally free to run in and attack it with Wayne drifting across her goal, Boswell looks to nod the header back across her, the goalkeeper flashes up a hand to stop the ball then bring it under control and hold.

GOAL! Into injury time in the 1st half and the stalemate is broken, Brighton hit Tottenham on the break and for once as the ball is swung in from the left the visitors have managed to overload the area have two players spare coming in behind the defence into the area, Wayne has to come off her line try to get to the ball, reaches the closest Brighton attacker 1st, Taylor who gets her foot to the ball 1st prods it past Wayne to roll home just inside the post. An important game for Brighton and it’s clear from the enthused celebration that greets the goal it has released alot of tension 0-1.

  Half-time Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion WFC
   Brighton take the narrowest of leads into the dressing room at half-time in what has been a scrappy 1st half, neither side getting hold of the ball for long. Brighton have had more opportunity to go forwards with the ball, the final pass more often than not failing to come off. Have dealt with the threat Tottenham’s attackers posed to their defence well with Blackie staying back to receive the ball and set up play further up the field. 
  The teams are out for the 2nd 45, a lead to defend as it stands Brighton are on course to win the title. Tottenham to take the kick off. Pushing up towards the Brighton area lose the ball is played out up towards Gurr who has Perry racing down the left flank plays the pass out to her, the cross is fired in towards Taylor in the centre, she ends up fouling Pond trying to get around the defender.
Tottenham’s Shannon Moloney
   Coming out with the ball on the left Kmita sends what looks to be a nothing ball into the Brighton area, Blanchflower is up there but it is going to bounce into the waiting Baker’s gloves, at least it should have, must have woken a mole up or something because it skips up and threatens to embarrass the keeper going over her head she punches it away to her left across the six yard  box her defence getting it clear. 
  Another awkward ball for Baker to deal with as Tottenham’s Blanchflower lofts a high ball into the area from a good distance out, is turned over for a corner kick. Pond to take from the right sends in a vicious ball dissecting the six yard box coming far post, Ashton-Jones does well to head it behind for a corner, with martin a dead cert to score coming in behind her. The 2nd corner from the left side is wasted.
   Perry is a constant threat for Brighton on their left Kirsty Barton puts the ball out to her feet on the wing Perry surges on up the line squares the cross in to the six yard box with Taylor at the near post tries to turn and hit her shot the ball is blocked by the defender up against her, rolls away Taylor goes for it trying to turn it back on target, slices the ball wide of goal. 1st change for Brighton with Lily Agg coming on for Gurr, going into the midfield Natkiel is pushed up along side Taylor for now. Another chance for Taylor to double her goal tally as Agg gets hold of the ball in the centre her pass up top is deflected off a defender into the run of Taylor 20 yards out goes to shot gets it wrong sends the ball over the bar.
Sophie Perry full of running on the left for
Brighton was a threat all afternoon
   Baker is getting some testing ball put her way in the Brighton goal, this one fired in from distance by Green who gets plenty of zip on the ball, bouncing before it reaches the keeper again skips up again and Baker does well to adjust and tip the ball over the bar for the corner kick. Tottenham see the corner cleared off the line as it is fired in low and fast along the six yard box coming all the way through to Keown racing onto it connect well, blocked on the line before eventually being cleared. Pond has another chance to play the ball into the area for Tottenham as they are awarded a free kick wide on the right sends the ball in high looping towards the far post area a great save from Baker to turn the ball over and out for a corner kick. Tottenham make their 2nd change of the match sending on Bianca Baptiste for Martin. 
  GOAL! Super sub! I had just written… ‘and immediately Baptiste starts by putting herself about.’ Straight away the Tottenham striker is after the Brighton defenders hustling them on the ball pushing them into taking the ball right 20 yards out she steals the ball and from the right corner outside the area looks to go for goal, is a quality strike coming in fast sweeps over Baker and drops behind into the goal 1-1, Tottenham get themselves back on level terms with 20 minutes left to play.
   Blackie with a quality pass out to Perry on the left sets up another Brighton attack the ball squared into the area again Taylor coming towards it has Keown on her shoulder, but despite being put under challenge connects with the ball turning her shot goalwards, flies over the crossbar. 
Amy Taylor scoring both Brighton
goals to seal a 2-1 win
  GOAL! Less than 15 minutes left and Brighton regain the lead. Again Perry is heavily involved with the build up, with the ball on the left fires it in to Taylor coming near post her turn and hit is blocked the ball rebounding out to Natkiel who pulls the trigger from outside the box into the crowd is deflected back out to the left, won back by Perry her 2nd cross comes to Taylor just inside the area this time she curls her shot around Wayne and into the back of the net to cue another round of exuberant celebrations 1-2.
 
  Before the goal Brighton were thinking about a change and make it anyway, with Lisa Fulgence coming on for Catherine Cooper, joins Taylor up top, Natkiel going back into the centre. 7 minutes left on the clock and Brighton are defending for their lives as Tottenham look to push on the ball. The ball is pinging about, Fulgence is flagged offside as Taylor latches onto the ball and drives into the Tottenham half.
  The match moves into stoppage time, Tottenham are applying the pressure, the Brighton fans in front of me don’t know what to do with themselves. Soobadoo gets her foot in wins the ball plays it on to Blanchflower, her pass comes to Green 20 yards out right side of the area hits the shot on the half volley, comes safely through into bakers gloves as she kneels to meet it no awkward bounce this time and that’s it the final whistle blows and Brighton & Hove Albion WFC win the game 2-1 and everyone races onto the pitch for a mass celebration inside the centre circle. 54 points secured and no one can catch them now! Champions!
  It might have sounded a simple scenario win and it’s yours but that is never as easy as that. A scrappy contest, a difficult pitch and a competitive Tottenham side who weren’t going to roll over made for a good contest, Baptiste’s superb equaliser making for a nervy end, Taylor’s brace securing the 3 points Brighton needed, they are FAWPL Southern Division Champions. Not only that but will be contesting the FAWPL Play-off match with whoever’s crowned FAWPL Northern Division Champions for a place in the FAWSL on Sunday May 29th. For now thought it’s time to celebrate winning the title and with a few weeks before that match the players can celebrate and let it sink in.
Brighton & Hove Albion WFC celebrating after the final whistle blows
  Thanks to both clubs for their help with the teams today. My congratulations to the players, management, coaching staff, volunteers and fans of Brighton & Hove Albion WFC on your title win.

Match Report – West Ham United Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

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A Tuesday night trip down to the big city for the Supporting Women’s Football Blog a game from the FAWPL Southern Division, West Ham United Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies. Not just any old league game however but a special occasion for both teams, most so West Ham United Ladies as the match was to be held at The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park. A famous and historic football venue just a handful of games left before West Ham United FC move to the Olympic Stadium. An opportunity for the West Ham United Ladies to don their claret shirts on the hallowed turf, in front of a record crowd too. A great night for all involved click on the link below to take you to the whole match report on the SWF Blog

West Ham United Ladies v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

Match Report – C&K Basildon Ladies v Portsmouth FC Ladies

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The final match report of 2015 on the Supporting Women’s Football Blog comes from the FAWPL Southern Division. A trip down to Canvey Island FC in Essex to watch newly promoted side C&K Basildon Ladies take on defending champions Portsmouth FC Ladies. Turned out to be another highly entertaining match to end the year on a 7 goal thriller, click on the link below to take you to the blog to read all the action.

C&K Basildon Ladies v Portsmouth FC Ladies

The Tuesday Round-Up

The Tuesday Round-Up Edition Three

Welcome to Edition Three of The Tuesday Round-Up bringing you all the action from the past weekends women’s football action on the East of England. All of this weekends results and updated league tables are available throughout the site with more being added to it all the time as I look to get as much information into one into one place as I can over the coming weeks. Plenty of matches to cover 60+ once again with the 1st rounds of the ERWFL and Cambridgeshire League Cups taking place this weekend as aswell as the Preliminary Round of the FAWPL Cup and that is where The Tuesday Round-Up will begin this week.

  FAWPL Cup – Preliminary Round 

   Three ties were to take place this Sunday in the Preliminary Round of the FAWPL Cup before the 1st Round proper this coming Sunday 4th October and two of those ties featured sides playing in the FAWPL Southern Division and South East Division One. The 1st of these ties featured 2 teams that wouldn’t look out of place in the final of the competition itself with Portsmouth Ladies hosting Brighton & Hove Albion WFC. It was Portsmouth who had the lead going onto half-time 1-0 thanks to an Ini Umotong goal in the 24th minute. Kate Natkiel pulled the scores level for Brighton 10 minutes into the 2nd half no one could break the stalemate in the 90 minutes the tie headed into extra-time. Charlotte Gurr was the heroine for Brighton as she scored twice in the 1st half of extra time to seal a 3-1 victory for Brighton who will now face Queens Park Rangers away this coming Sunday in the 1st Round.

   In the other tie featured sides in the East it was an all South East Division One clash between Cambridge United WFC and Lowestoft Town Ladies. Cambridge are without a league win to date have one just the one competitive game so far this season, this at home against Cheltenham Town Ladies 3-1 in the Determining Round of the FAWPL Cup. Didn’t look good for Cambridge as Lowestoft opened the scoring  on 2 minutes, Chloe Hoffman with the strike. Cambridge were back on level terms 12 minutes later the goal from Becky Taylor, Emma Jenkins made it 2-1 to Cambridge 10 minutes later before Taylor netted her 2nd on the 40 minute mark. Cambridge took control of the tie as Laura Bright scored on the stroke of half-time to give the home side a 4-1 lead. Bright added her 2nd 5 minutes into the 2nd half before sealing her hat-trick from the penalty spot with half an hour left to play Lowestoft’s Chelsea Clarke pulled a goal back late on the final score 6-2. Cambridge will now face Chichester City Ladies at home in the 1st Round this Sunday.

   FAWPL Southern Division 

  With Brighton playing in the FAWPL Cup, Charlton Athletic Women were the only other unbeaten side in league action this Sunday away to Cardiff City Ladies could have climbed into 2nd spot in the table by beating the Welsh side instead it was Cardiff who ended Charlton’s unbeaten start running out 3-1 victors all the goals coming in the 2nd half Charlton going 1 nil up through Nikita Whinnett. Cardiff hit back straight away Kelly Aldridge with the goal. Took the lead on 78 minutes Michelle Green scoring, Aldridge adding Cardiff’s 3rd her brace helping secure the 3-1 win which moves Cardiff to within a point Brighton at the top. Charlton drop to 4th as Tottenham Hotspur Ladies capitalise winning 4-1 away to C&K Basildon Ladies, Avilla Bergin scoring a hat-trick to help secure the points. Amy Nash scored C&K Basildon’s goal.

   Coventry United Ladies moved up to 5th in the Southern Division table coming away from Plymouth Argyle Ladies with a 4-0 win a brace from Danielle Selmes before the break, Helen Dermody and Marie Gauntlett both netted in the 2nd half. West Ham Ladies secured their 1st league win of the season in midweek a 2-3 victory over local rivals C&K Basildon couldn’t build on that success at the weekend with Forest Green Rovers Ladies the visitors to AFC Hornchurch, 3 goals in the 1st half from Jordan Gurad, Kirsty Richardson and Ella Hitchcock sealing the win. Queens Park Rangers remain bottom still searching for points after a 7th straight defeat at home to another side desperate for the points themselves Lewes Ladies the Rookette’s winning 1-3, Ellie Locke scoring twice in the 1st half after Lauren May had given Queens Park Rangers the lead in the opening minutes. Kelly Newton scored Lewes 3rd goal to move them up to 9th in the table.

    FAWPL South East Division One

   Crystal Palace Ladies continued their perfect start to the league taking home the 3 points for the 7th successive game running out 1-3 winners at Ipswich Town Ladies, Sarah Jones, Rochelle Shakes and Mary Robinson all on the score sheet for Palace, Roxanne Small scored Ipswich’s goal. Luton Town Ladies were unbeaten going into the weekend 2nd in the table, that came to an end when they were beaten at home 2-4 by Gillingham FC Ladies who themselves move into 2nd in the table with their 4th straight win. Gillingham went 2-0 up in the 1st half goals from Shannon Redhouse and Kallie Balfour. Luton came back to make it 2-2 with goals either side of the break from Tamara Bayne and Erica Byron. Gillingham fought back with 2 late goals Balfour scoring her 2nd with academy player Madison North getting the 4th goal.

  Milton Keynes Dons Ladies stay 3rd sharing the points away to Old Actonians Ladies the final score 1-1, Catherine Murphy giving the home side the lead at half-time, before Hannah Barrett pulled the scores level in the 2nd half. Norwich City Ladies are up to 5th in the table after running out 2-0 winners at home to Denham United Ladies, Paige Shorten giving them the lead in the 1st minute. Megan Bartlett coming off the bench to score the 2nd with 8 minutes left to secure the 3 points. 

Eastern Region Women’s Football League

  Billericay Town Ladies stay top of the table unbeaten with their 3rd straight win 4-1 at home to newly promoted side Gt Wakering Rovers Ladies (formerly Southendian Ladies). Vicky Kinsman with 2 goals, Lucy Wyatt and Katie Whitehead also scoring. Rebecca Dalgarno scoring Gt Wakering’s goal. Colchester Town Ladies are in 3rd place winning 3-0 at home to Leverstock Green Ladies, Victoria King giving them a 1st half lead, Georgia Box and Kiera Fitzpatrick adding to the goals tally 2nd half. 

  It was to the ERWFL Premier Division the Supporting Women’s Football Blog travelled this weekend down to Essex to watch 4th placed Brentwood Town Ladies take on bottom side Haringey Borough Women. For all the match action click on the link below. After a scrappy opening Haringey took the lead with Ellena Finneran and Anele Komani securing a 2-0 half-time lead. Ashley Debnam gave the home side hope of a fightback pulling a goal back, but Komani went on to score her 2nd before Klesha Darroux struck from distance to seal a 1-4 win to lift Haringey up into 6th place. 

Brentwood Town Ladies v Haringey Borough Women

  One other match this Sunday, Acle United Ladies drew 1-1 with Gt Shelford Ladies both goals coming in the 1st half Alice Ladbrook netting for Acle, Gt Shelford’s goal was from Alison Wright.

  There was just the one match played in Division One in the East league, Bury Town Ladies getting their 1st victory of the season beating West Billericay Ladies 4-2 at home 1-1 at the break Katy Judd scoring on 6 minutes for West Billericay, Bury Town’s 4 goals from Norma Locker , Mikaela Talbot x 2 and Catherine Upton. Michelle Stoneman scoring West Billericay’s 2nd goal late on.

   Elsewhere it was cup action with 4 ties taking place in the ERWFL League Cup 1st Round. After 90 minutes plus extra time it finished goalless between Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies and Royston Town Ladies needed a penalty shootout to settle thing’s with Little Thurrock winning through to the next round winning 4-3. Extra time was needed too, in 2 other ties. Ipswich Wanderers Ladies and Hoddesdon Owls Ladies played out a 9 goal thriller. Was 4-3 going into stoppage time to Ipswich Wanderers, the goal scorers Jessy Whurr x2, Laura Tuley and Kimberley Rex. Hoddesdon had replied through Daniela Martucci, Charlotte Grogan and Kristina O’Connell before O’Connell scored her 2nd in injury time to make it 4-4 to set up extra time. Hoddesdon went on to win in extra time Rebecca Scola sending them through to the next round.

   Extra time too between Sawbridgeworth Town WFC and Silver End Ladies finishing 2-2 after 90 mins Sawbridgeworth’s goals from Jill Bartholomew and Katherine Foy, Lynsey Bowman and Rebecca Hollocks for Silver End. The Essex side went on to score the only goal in extra time Hollocks netting her 2nd to give Silver End the 3-2 win. In the other tie goals from Katerina Hamplova and Charlene Moreton gave Offley & Stopsley Women a 2-0 victory over Hutton Ladies.

Norfolk

   Some bruising score-lines in Norfolk Women’s Division One this Sunday as the 4 sides that look most likely to jostle for the title moved into position at the top of the table. Thorpe United Ladies stay top crushing bottom side Mulbarton Belles 10-0 at home. Charlotte Groves with 6 of the goals, Sharnie Boast adding a pair, Becky Russell also scoring. Aylsham stay 2nd like Thorpe making it 4 wins out of 4 to start the season were on the road away to Long Stratton Ladies rattled up an 0-8 win Abbie Charlton and Leanne Woodhead helping themselves to 4 each.

   Brandon Town Ladies move into 3rd playing just their 2nd league match of the season scored 7 without reply at home to Fakenham Town Ladies who are still searching for their 1st points of the season. Tiffany Forshaw scoring 4 goals with Laura Brame supporting with 2, Hazel Sheperd with the other goal. A 7-0 win too for Wymondham Town Ladies like Brandon playing just their 2nd league match of the season beating Lynn Ladies to move into 4th place, Sally Hammerton and Amber Cantwell with 2 apiece, Kayleigh Holloway, Laura Hammerton and Louise Hamilton-Rout also scoring.

   Goals a plenty on Division Two with Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies extending their 100% win record at the start of the season to 4 match this their biggest win so far beating Stalham Town Ladies 11-1. Jody Wells netting 5, Nikki Wigg a hat-trick, Selina Round a brace, Sophie Martin also getting herself a goal. 4 wins out of 4 too for 2nd placed North Walsham Angels Ladies beat Bohemians Ladies 3-1 at home Luci Middleton with 2, Robyn Steele with the other strike. Shannon Dade on the score sheet for Bohemians still without any points at the start of the season.

   Morley Ladies are back to the bottom of the table with 3 defeats to start the season were away to Bungay Town Ladies Reserves a high scoring match came down on the wrong side of a 4-3 defeat which gave Bungay their 1st win of the season to lift them of the bottom. An even higher scoring match between 3rd placed Red Rose Ladies and Sprowston Ladies in 4th. 2-2 at half-time Red Rose went on to win the match 5-4 Sophie Lubbock netting 4 times with Emily Hutton adding a 5th goal. Laura Jenkins, Annika Skoog, Shanice Sutton and Millie Cursons for Sprowston.

    In Division Three Gorleston make it 3 wins out of 3 to stay top were away to Cromer Town Ladies not the double figures tally of their opening 2 victories this Sunday won the match 0-6, Bethany Turner scoring 4 goals, Sophie Gillett and Melissa Anderson also scoring. Harleston Town Ladies are keeping up the pace with Gorleston at the top are trying to keep up with the goals scored to netted 4 times this Sunday away to Toftwood Ladies who hit back with 2 goals of their own the match ending 2-4 to Harlestson, Lauren Bond getting 2, Emily Wilson and Miryam Ruiz getting the other goals. Toftwood’s goal from Katie Hart.

   Freethorpe Ladies have also made an unbeaten start to the season after 3 successive opening draws get their 1st win of the season to go 3rd in the table beating Dereham Town Ladies 5-1 away from home. Claire Garner getting 4 of the goals Cassandra Barnes also getting her name on the scoresheet. 

Suffolk

    East Bergholt United Ladies hold on to top spot in the Suffolk Women’s Division table as they beat Brantham Athletic Ladies 4-2 to start the season with 2 wins out of 2. Joining them in 2nd also with 2 wins out of 2 to start their season are Copleston Ladies beating Witnesham Wasps Ladies 5-0 at home Jade Horne scoring 4 goals, Amelia Deuchars with the other goal. Bacton United Ladies finally get their 1st win of the season at the 3rd attempt beating Ipswich Phoenix Ladies making their league debut at home 0-6, Francesca Rainbird with a hat-trick with Samantha Walker and Eleanor Catchpole also amongst the goals.

   Was also a tie in the 1st round of the Suffolk Women’s County Cup AFC Sudbury Ladies beat Long Melford Ladies 6-1 to progress to the 2nd round with Kayleigh Steed getting herself a hat-trick Sophie Jeffery a brace with Kiera Bird also scoring in the local derby.

Cambridgeshire

   Quiet on the league front on Cambridgeshire this weekend with just the one match in the Championship North taking place. Chance for Wisbech St Marys Ladies to move into the league at the top of the fledgling table took full advantage too at home to Hungate Rovers Ladies netting 5 goals with Toni Lewis helping herself to 4, Imogen James with the other strike.

   Elsewhere it was action in the 1st round of the League Cup with 7 ties played this Sunday. The highest scoring game was between Stamford Ladies and Bourne Ladies finished 4-8 to Bourne. Tracey Duxbury-Mead scoring 5 of the visitors goals Charlotte Ayers 2 more and the last from Rosanna Baker. Emma Berry, Abbie Brewin, Rebecca Corby and Fran Kavanagh with Stamford’s goals. ICA Sports Ladies were beaten 1-2 by Deeping Diamonds Ladies, Danielle Walder and Ellie Caston netting for Deeping Diamonds. Tash Applegate scoring ICA Sports goal. 

  A new name to women’s football in Cambridgeshire this season Comberton Ladies awere yet to play a competitve match came up against strong opposition in the opening round of the league cup losing 2-5 at home to Bar Hill Women. Danielle Wilson and Kerri Hilton-Taylor got the Comberton goals. Bar Hill’s 5 goals were scored by Nadine Wejkins x2, Anna Jephson, Sam Reid and Amanda Satchell. It took extra time but 2 goals from Rebecca Rylott and 1 from Lauren Shaw gave Swineshead Institute Ladies a 3-1 away win at Little Paxton Ladies.

   Downham Town Ladies took on Netheron United Ladies in the 1st round of the league cup the scores were squared at 2-2 going into the last 20 minutes George Lingham with both of Downham’s goals. Natalie Gaches and Kerry Camwell scoring for Netherton, Camwell gave Netherton a 2-3 lead before Tia Vacca added the 4th goal in the closing seconds to seal a 2-4 win. Sasha Smith and Tierney Poore scored the goals for St Ives Town Ladies as they progressed to the next round of the league cup with a 2-1 win over Cambridge Ranger. In the last tie Park Ladies who had lost heavily away Milton Ladies the previous week returned to play them again this Sunday knocking them out of the league cup, winning 3-1 with Amy Newell scoring twice, Amy Ward with the other goal, Sam Cousins scoring for Milton.

Essex

   With Premier Division leaders Runwell Hospital Ladies not in action this Sunday, 2nd placed Chelmsford City Ladies took full advantage to move into 1st place as they travelled to Beacon Hill Rovers Ladies and won 6-3. Eastern Avenue also climb a place in the table up to 3rd place after a comprehensive 6-0 away to Collier Row Tigers. In the other Premier Division match Hullbridge Sports Ladies climb off the foot of the table up into 5th with their 1st win of the season 4 nil away to Walden Ladies.

  In Division One their are new leaders Alresford Colner Rangers and they didn’t even have to kick a ball as they were awarded an away win against Hullbridge Sports Ladies Reserves. This is because current leaders Harlow Town Ladies weren’t in action and 2nd placed Wickford Town Ladies lost their 100% win rate to start their season losing 4-1 to Chigwell Ladies who picked up their 1st victory in the league. Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves join the pack behind Alresford moving up to 4th place with a 3-2 win at home to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies Reserves. In the other match Leigh Athletic stay pointless at the foot of the table as they were beaten 1-6 at home to Valley Green who record their 1st league win. 

Beds & Herts

    Case of another side taking advantage of the leaders not playing in Beds & Herts Division One as Hertford Town Ladies capitalised on Harvesters FC not playing to make it 3 wins out of 3 to take top spot with a 4-2 win at home against Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Kerry Oldham scoring twice for Hertford, Becky Shephred also netting a goal. Emily Jamieson and Tayla Murray scoring for Letchworth. Bishops Stortford Ladies put 12 goals past Flitwick Ladies on their own patch to move them up into 3rd leave Flitwick bottom. Elle Georgiou with 5, Inka Pearson with 4, Yasmin Smith and Hannah Mead with 2 the goal scorers.In the other match in Division One Laure Marris had given Sherrardswood Ladies the lead on 65 minutes away at Sandy Ladies, Faye Prout scored on 84 minutes to pull the scores level but the visitors nicked it at the death Rhiana Rose striking in injury time to make it 1-2 at give Sherrardswood the 3 points.

    New leaders in Division Two with Hitchin Town Ladies not in action Houghton Athletic didn’t waste the opportunity to maintain their 10% win rate at the start of the season 3 in a row, rattling 6 goals past bottom side Woburn Lionesses hat-tricks from both Shakeela Hussain and Emma Hawkes. Hitchin Town slip to 3rd as Sharnbrook WFC also continue their unbeaten start to the season another high score on their travels beating Evergreen Eagles 1-7 the goals from Emily Clark, Victoria Corp and Sally Dayus all scoring twice with Jacqueline Dadd adding the 7th. Claire Hendry with the goal for Evergreen Eagles. Heavy defeat too for Royston Town Ladies Reserves going down 7-2 away to Garston Ladies FC 96 who record their 1st win of the season Larry Berryman with 5 goals, Casandra Chase and Natalie Powell netting too, Sophie Hrt with both of Royston’s goals. Watton Ladies also secure their 1st 3 points of the season with a big win 5-0 at home to AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies to move into 4th place.

  In Division Three the 3 leading sides all maintain their 100% records at the start of the season with Crawley Green Ladies nudging Hitchin Belles off top spot to take the leader after beating Bedmond Ladies 4-7 away from home. Yasmin Wacey scoring in the 1st half before Nina Service rattled 5 goals into the back of the net in the 2nd half with Jessica McNamara also chipping in with a goal. Hitch Belles scored 7 goals to these without reply on the road at Hatfield Town Ladies, Shannon Page netting 4 goals, Emily Field a brace with Sophie Fairburn also getting a goal. Icknield Ladies were also on the road away to Welwyn Garden City Ladies won the match 1-4 Cyeanna Eaton scoring 2, Jodie and Zoe Molloy with a goal each. Claire Cranfield with Welwyn Garden City’s goal. Last match to bring you Kings Langley Ladies leap into 4th place in the table with their 1st win in the league smashing 10 goals past Shefford Town & Campton Ladies, Kimberly Nield with 4 of the goals, Nicola Barrett with a pair, the other 4 goals scored by Amy Earthrowl, Mary Hogan, Rachael Lee and Bethan Duro. 

   All league tables and results can be found throughout the site please have a browse more content to be added when time allows, thanks for reading.

Women’s Football East – The Tuesday Round-Up

A new feature to the Women’s Football East website, a weekly round-up of the results across the region to bring you in one bulletin all the action from the 17 leagues represented. The Tuesday Round-Up will I hope become a regular feature upon the website as I look to improve coverage.

Why Tuesday? The main reason is simply that it is the day which is easiest for me to round-up everything, a few stray results and other bits of info I’m wanting to track down. Gives me a chance to update results and league tables before hand too. 

                               The Tuesday Round-Up – Edition One

     This Sunday saw all of the leagues across the east in action as Essex and Beds & Herts got their county leagues under-way. 68 matches originally listed at the start of the weekend for this Sunday a few fell by the wayside as some last minute postponements occurred, still lots of action to bring you so let’s crack on.

FAWPL Southern Division

Brighton & Hove Albion WFC remain top of the league unbeaten after 5 matches racking up a 4-0 victory over 3rd from bottom Plymouth Argyle Ladies with a hat-trick from Charlotte Gurr after Deanna Cooper had opened the scoring early on. Having moved into 2nd in the table in midweek Cardiff City Ladies were on the road this Sunday as they travelled to bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies the welsh side winning 2-0 with 2nd half strikes from Michelle Green and Kelly Aldridge. Five straight defeats in the league for Queens Park Rangers.

Portsmouth Ladies keep pace in 3rd maintaining a 100% unbeaten record with a 4th straight league win away to Lewes Ladies goals even side of the break from Leeta Rutherford and Charley Wilson to secure a 2-0 win. Charlton Athletic Women are the other unbeaten side in the division picking form after a sluggish start winning 4-1 at home to newly promoted side C&K Basildon Ladies. The visitors had taken the lead before Gemma Shepherd pulled the scored level at half-time after Hannah Porter had given C&K Basildon the lead. Nikita Whinnett scored early in the 2nd half before Shepherd went on to complete her hat-trick. In the other match in the division Tottenham Hotspur Ladies beat the other newly promoted side Forest Green Rovers Ladies 2-1 with 1st half goals from Wendy Martin and Sophie McLean, Paige Stewart scored in the 2nd half but it wasn’t enough as Tottenham secured the 3 points that lifts them into 4th in the table.

FAWPL South East Division One

  Crystal Palace Ladies have started their 2nd season in the FAWPL South East Division One very strongly making it 5 wins out of 5 with an emphatic win away to Bedford Ladies scoring 7 without reply, Rochelle Shakes getting a brace with Leanne Bell, Alma Donohoe, Freya Holdaway, Nicha Pyelt and substitute Gemma Bryan all getting their name on the scoresheet. The result sees Bedford drop to the foot of the table. Hot on Crystal Palace Ladies heels are Luton Town Ladies continuing their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 win at home to Lowestoft Ladies new to the league this season, Michelle Byrne and Rachel Carter the scorers.

   Cambridge United WFC climb off the bottom of the table after picking up their 3rd successive draw in the league 0-0 at home to Denham United Ladies. Ipswich Town Ladies lost 0-3 at home to Milton Keynes Dons Ladies who remain in 3rd place in the table. Enfield Town Ladies were at home to another promoted side Old Actonians Ladies the points were shared the final score 1-1. Gillingham FC Ladies stay in 4th spot winning 4-1 at home to Norwich City Ladies, took the lead through a Jade Keogh free kick before Norwich replied with a superb strike from distance from Natasha Snelling. Gillingham restored the lead going into half time with through Kallie Balfour. Balfour went on to score 2 more in the 2nd half to complete her hat-trick.

Eastern Regional Leagues

  Billericay Town Ladies are top of the Premier Division on 7 points after their opening 3 matches unbeaten scored 7 away to Haringey Borough Women who were playing their 1st league match of the season. The Billericay goal scorers Marie Baker x2, Sarah Bovington, Vicky Kinsman, Paris Smith, Katie Whitehead and Lucy Wyatt. Anele Komani with a goal for Haringay the final score 1-7. New to the league this season are AFC Sudbury Ladies are in 2nd spot after winning their opening 2 matches this Sundays away to another AFC, Dunstable Ladies starting their league season, Sudbury won 2-1 with Sophie Jeffrey netting both goals.

   Colchester Town Ladies also secured a 2-1 victory away from home as they beat Gt Shelford Ladies, Georgia Box with both goals in the opening, then last 10 minutes. Katie Saunders scoring Gt Shelford’s goal have started with 2 narrow defeats. Colchester drop to 4th in the table as Stevenage Ladies move above them winning 2-0 at home to Acle United Ladies with Donna McGuigan scoring a 2nd half brace. The last fixture in the Premier Division saw Leverstock Green Ladies secure the 3 points as they beat Brentwood Town Ladies 3-2.

   In the ERWFL Division One East it’s still very early days all the sides have no gotten their league campaign under way, Writtle Ladies are the early leader with 2 wins out of 2 new to the league having won the Essex Women’s Premier Division last season faced another promoted side and fellow league champion Long Melford Ladies who secured the Suffolk title, at Long Melford, Writte won by 3 goals to nil, Abigail Fry, Amy Simmonds and Georgina Tricker with the goals.

  Elsewhere Silver End Ladies who finished 2nd to Writtle in the Essex Premier Division last season kicked off life in the regional set up with a 3-2 win away to fellow Essex side West Billericay Ladies, Lynsey Bowman scoring a hat-trick, Katy Judd and Emma Mackie with the West Billericay goals. Bury Town Ladies were getting their league campaign started to away to Little Thurrock Dynamos Ladies both sides getting a point on the board the match ending 2-2.

   Over to the ERWFL Division One West, Hutton Ladies lead the way with a win and a draw in their opening 2 league fixtures the win coming this Sunday against Colney Heath Ladies. Katie Lowan and Ebony Moore with the goals in a 2-1 home win. Royston Town Ladies got their league season started moving into 2nd early on after beating Sawbridgeworth Town WFC 1-0 at home Amy Cooper securing the win. 3-3 was the final score as Offley & Stopsley Ladies and Stevenage Ladies Reserves shared the points the home side scoring through Emma Collins, Katrina Hamplova and Charlene Moreton. Stevenage’s goals scored by Chloe Rouse, and Kelly Hannington before Alexandria Moir scored the 3rd in injury time.

 Norfolk

Two matches into the new county season in Norfolk Division One for early leaders Thorpe United Ladies have 2 wins out of 2, won 4-2 at home to Long Statton Ladies this Sunday with goals from Kimberly Broom & Hayley Kindred along with a pair from Terry Lugo. Charlie Head with both of Long Stratton’s goals. Was a rematch of the opening day fixture between Aylsham FC Ladies and Bungay Town Ladies that match at Bungay had seen a thrilling 3-4 win for Aylsham having been 3-1 down. This game was once more full of goals Bungay Town scored 3 again it still wasn’t enough as Aylsham FC Ladies ran out 5-3 winners Emma Gillespie and Keira Squires with a goal apiece with Abbie Charlton netting a hat-trick. Bungay’s scorers were Eva Evan’s Nicola Hazell and Taylor Whiting.

Wymondham Town Ladies in FA Women’s Cup action last Sunday got their league campaign up and running with a 3-0 win at home to Fakenham Town Ladies, Kayleigh Holloway, Emily Anderson and new signing Laura Wiseman all scoring. My match of the weekend was at Mulberry Park as I went along to watch Mulbarton Belles and Lynn Ladies both begin their league season wasn’t the close game I might have expected as Lynn Ladies ran out comfortable winners scoring 8 without reply, click on the link below to take you to the match report on the Supporting Women’s Football blog.

Mulbarton Belles v Lynn Ladies

In Norfolk Division Two both Kirkley & Pakefield Ladies and North Walsham Angels Ladies made it 2 wins out of 2 at the start of the season. Kirkley & Pakefield leading the way after a 4-0 win at home to Bohemians Ladies scoring twice in both halves with Jody Wells netting twice, Gemma Farman and Nikki Wigg with a goal each. 4-2 was the score for North Walsham as they took on opening day leaders Red Rose Ladies Luci Middleton with a 1st half hat-trick with Amy Hemp adding the 4th goal before half time. Vicki Lubbock and Rhiannon Dack with the Red Rose goals.

 Heavy defeats for both Sprowston Ladies and Stalham Town Ladies on the opening day were forgotten as they both won this Sunday, Stalham Town Ladies putting 6 past Bungay Town Ladies Reserves away from home. Sprowston Ladies were also away to bottom side Morley Ladies, Shanice Sutton and Millie Cursons with two the goal scorers.

In Norfolk Division Three we have an early season casualty with Firside Athletic dropping out of the league. Sprowston Ladies Reserves might have wished they’d gone missing as they were beaten heavily by Gorleston FC Ladies the newly formed side scoring 13 goals to propell them into top spot. Another heavy defeat for another newly formed side this Sunday too as Red Rose United hosted Harleston Ladies both playing their 1st match of the season Harleston winning 9-0. Toftwood Ladies and Freethorpe Ladies played out a 2-2 draw.

 Suffolk

 The Suffolk Women’s Division contains just 7 sides, Bratham Athletic Ladies were top after a 5-2 win over Bacton United Ladies last weekend. This weekend saw East Bertholt United start with a 5-0 win over newly formed Leiston St Margarets Ladies which saw them take top spot, Jessica Quinsee x2, Amber Brogan, Lucy Fowler and Georgina Longden with the goals. Copleston Ladies were also starting their season a win to 3-1 against Bacton United Ladies, Megan Stock with 1 and Jade Horne with a brace to take the 3 points.

  Cambridgeshire

In the Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership, Cambridge City Ladies are the early leaders on 4 points after 2 played following an opening day draw won 5-0 away to Newmarket Town Ladies the goal scorers Saskia Capetti, Grace Stanley, Bronte Rapley and 2 from Miriam Amrani. Cambridge United Reserves are also on 4 points in 2nd drew 1-1 away to Bar Hill Women, Sarah Mosley with their goal, Sam Reid scoring for Bar Hill. Elsewhere it was points shared as both ICA Sports Ladies v Deeping Diamonds Ladies and Netherton United Ladies v HuntingdonTown Ladies ended goalless. 

It was the opening round of matches in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship North two fixtures played a crushing victory for Stamford Ladies as they put 14 goals into the back of the net at newly formed Tydd St Marys Ladies. In the other match March United Ladies lost 1-3 at home to Wisbech St Marys Ladies, Eilish Brown, Jade Kelly and Carlie Knight with the goals. Jade Pointer with March’s goal.

Likewise the opening day in the Cambridgeshire Women’s Championship South and victories for 2 newly formed sides to boot. St Ives Town Ladies winning 4-0 at home against Isleham United Ladies goals from Connie Liddiard, Sasha Smith x2 & Georgia Stancombe. Park Ladies are a new name in the league too won 3-1 at home to Little Paxton Ladies, Casey Ward scoring twice, Ebony Bliss also scoring. 

Essex

  The opening day of the women’s football season in Essex a host of new faces in the county has seen a shake up in the league with 3 sides promoted to the Premier Division from Division One. One of those sides Runwell Hospital Ladies lead the way after a 4-1 win at home to fellow promoted side Eastern Avenue. The other promoted side Hullbridge Sports Ladies lost at home to Chelmsford City Ladies. Elsewhere their were score draws on the opening day for Beacon Hill Rovers & Collier Row Tigers the match finishing 3-3. Walden Ladies drew 2-2 with Hutton Ladies Reserves.

 In Division One there are 6 new sides one of which are the opening day leaders as Harlow Town Ladies beat Chelmsford City Ladies Reserves 8-2 away from home. Wickford Town Ladies are in 2nd spot after a 2-1 away win at Leigh Athletic Ladies. Was an 11 goal thriller at Southend Town Ladies the home side coming out the losers despite scoring 5 as newly formed Alresford Colne Rangers found the back of the net 6 times.

Beds & Herts

The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire county league season got under-way across their 3 divisions this Sunday plenty of new names in these leagues too. 4 sides promoted to Division One. One of those Letchworth Garden City Eagles came unstuck as they travelled to Harvesters FC Ladies lost 10-0, Harvesters, Shivani Bedi & Ellie Lovelock both netting hat-tricks with Katherine Hatton scoring twice and Megan Samuela also getting a goal. Better luck for the ther promoted sides with Laveena Betts, Dee Gilbert, Kerry Oldham & Hannah Smith amongst the goal as Hertford Town Ladies beat Sandy Ladies 5-0. 

Bishops Stortford Ladies also new to Division One were away, scored twice through Ellie Georgiou and Scarlett Archer to beat Toddington Rovers Ladies also promoted this season 0-2. Garston Ladies met Sherrardswood Ladies on the opening day running out 3-2 winners.

In Beds & Herts Women’s Division Two it was a great opening day for Hitchin Town Ladies as they started at home with a 5-1 win over newly promoted Garston Ladies FC 96 with braces from both Emma Chaffey and Louise Gash, Nadia Child also on the scoresheet. Also promoted to the league are Houghton Athletic Ladies came out on top winning 4-3 at home to relegated Watton Ladies, Ciara Craig netting a hat-trick Shakeela Hussain with the other goal. Emma Cater, Mandy Mercer and Beth Willing scoring for Watton. Sharnbrook WFC were also relegated last season started with a home draw 3-3 against Evergreen Eagles, Emily Clark and Emma Butler x2 for Sharnbrook. Claire Hendry, Emily Jokiel & Yasemin Zerzavatci scoring for Evergreen Eagles. As of publishing this post the Woburn Lioness v AFC Kempston Rovers Ladies result was still pending.

Onto Beds & Herts Women’s Division Three, 5 new faces in this league, 4 of which were playing on the opening day with mixed fortunes. Hitchin Belles scored 6 at home to Bedmond Ladies 2 each from Emily Field and Shannon Page a goal each for Charlotte Peters and Charis Wakefield. Matching Hitchin Belles with 6 on the opening day were Evergreen Eagles beating new side Shefford Town & Campton Ladies, Natalie Maher amongst the goals with a hat-trick.

 Icknield Ladies are another new face to start with a win travelling to Panshanger Ladies winning 2-3, Mandy Cain-Murnane and a Jodie Molloy pair with the goals. Ellie Burke and Sarah Mair netting for Panshanger. Crawley Green Ladies saw off another new side beating Bedwell Rangers FC 2-0, Nina Service and Emma Twardochleb with the goals in the 2nd half.

 That wraps up the 1st Tuesday Round-Up plenty there to take in, mentioned as many goal scorers as I could, bound to have spelt someone’s name wrong. All updated league tables and results can be found across the site if it’s not updated yet it soon will be. The season’s under-way and there’s plenty to look forwards to.